Protecting people, property and profit in a changing world.

Despite a changing world in which security is required at so many levels, businesses often wait until the last minute to solidify their security needs. Fortunately, the technology exists that allows us to integrate a wide variety of security products and services--and quickly. Whether the venue is a large office that requires door access controls and security cameras or a restaurant that will eliminate employee theft through a cash monitoring system, there are products available to meet nearly every security need and budget.

Having been in this business for nearly a decade, when security technology was actually in its early stages, and starting POM four years ago, I have had a front row view of the rapid development of products and systems for both commercial and residential needs. It seems as if the business changes daily. There are opportunities to customize solutions that didn't exist six months ago, but now meet criteria specific to different types of businesses, facilities and locations.

Because this industry keeps coming up with greater choices, the first thing we do at POM is to sit down with prospective clients and listen to how they run their companies and the security challenges they face on a daily basis. Such information as daily traffic and where it's concentrated, client demographics, age and type of property, and number of employees are all factors in determining the kinds of systems that are best suited for a business.

A security system is a long-term investment, so careful planning is key. We present the most up-to-date products, but also show how they may be updated and integrated in the future. A few years ago, state-of-the-art protection for a front entry foyer in a residential building was a video camera in which nothing could be determined in real time. Today's digital video recorder systems (DVR) may be viewed from several different locations simultaneously, including off premise, and on computer monitors, as well as video spot monitors. They may be programmed to monitor front sidewalks, entrance lobbies, elevator foyers, elevator interiors, on-site garages, laundries, roof decks and any other common areas. Digital cameras may be triggered by motion detection, and can alert management during significant events. Moreover, the information is not only projected in real time, the DVR system provides a computerized video archive that allows viewing at any time and any place, always indicating a digital watermark of the time and date.

In other words, an office receptionist can now view the sidewalk in front of the building on her/his PC. That's a far cry from a video intercom, which is still an effective means of providing security at entry points, but not as effective in a commercial venue.

Timing the Solutions

The best time to determine which security technology system to use is during the early design stages of a renovation or relocation, whether the venue is an office, restaurant, hotel or any other kind of facility. These types of products work best when the security, telecommunications and IT systems have been coordinated prior to occupancy.

Ideally, the technology consultants will have the opportunity to work with the building owners, architects, interior designers and contractors throughout the process.

Something as rudimentary as wiring is generally run in dropped ceilings or directly behind walls. So when a space is occupied, it is often difficult to work around the existing systems and furnishings. When we don't have to open a finished area for installation, the client saves money on the plan, the cost of wiring, labor and interior repairs.

Of course, the cost of not installing a security system is guaranteed to outweigh the price of renovating an existing facility with a new solution, especially if there's theft involved. From our perspective, "peace of mind" is an important value, and if a video monitoring system or door access control system simply discourages problems before they occur, all the better.

As with most products, a security technology system works best when staff knows how it's used. Systems today are extremely sophisticated, although in most cases, not complicated to operate. Once installed, our teams are sent to train clients and their staff. The training is often departmentalized, as various staff members may be responsible for different tasks. With a door access control system, we can provide different programming for each department, e.g., the IT staff may not need access to the accounting department. In addition, with access control cards, mailroom staff may have access to the full office specifically between the hours that the mail is distributed--and the systems may be integrated as needed.

We work with a diverse base of clients that includes Gucci, Saks Fifth Avenue, Hilton New York, Soho Grand Hotel, Lever House Restaurant, Mc Donald's and the Dalton School. We also provide security systems for residential building owners and managers, such as Manhattan Skyline, Extell Development and Cooper Square Realty. Because of the range of sectors with which we work, we have a comprehensive understanding of nearly all recent technologies and how they relate to specific clients' needs.

Sci-fi Goes to Work

Science fiction has nothing on the capabilities of the newly merged disciplines of information technology and security. Highly intelligent video cameras function as technical watchdogs. Something as subtle as a thumb print is an identification tool used in biometric identification systems to monitor internal access.

A situation as annoying as having to replace all the front door keys in a building when a tenant has lost one is a thing of the past because individually programmed card access systems are now available.

The world is changing rapidly and security technology is keeping pace. The ability to provide a foundation for safety in so many different settings is an important and, in some cases, priceless asset for businesses and individuals.

BY JON ECKER

PRESIDENT AND CEO 

PEACE OF MIND TECHNOLOGIES, LLC